Physiological changes associated with caffeine consumption and the modulating effects of ascorbic acid in pregnant Wistar rats

Pregnant women commonly consume caffeine to avoid fatigue or as a habit. However, it has not been clearly determined what is its side effects on their bodies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological changes associated with caffeine consumption and the modulating effects of ascorbic acid in pregnant Wistar rats. Forty nulliparous female Wistar rats were mated with male rats in a ratio of 2:1. Then they were monitored for pregnancy and randomly divided into four groups of ten rats each. Group A received distilled water while group B received caffeine at 0.3 g/l in drinking water. Group C received ascorbic acid at 100 mg/kg while group D received both caffeine and ascorbic Acid at 0.3 g/l and 100 mg/kg respectively. Their body weights were recorded every 3 days throughout the gestation period, while water consumption was monitored and recorded daily as well as the gestation length. At parturition the birth weight and litter size of the pups were recorded. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in weight gain and gestation length but a significant (p < 0.05) increase in water consumption in the Dams administered caffeine when compared with the control. A significant (p < 0.05) decrease in birth weight of the pups was observed in the caffeine treated group as well as a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in litter size in the group that was administered only ascorbic acid when compared with the control. Ascorbic acid was able to modulate these changes in Wistar rats.